At its October 30, 2024, meeting, the California Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) approved a decision to establish a new office in Santa Maria through a sublease agreement with the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE). This late addition to the Board’s agenda was not made available for public comment, drawing concern over the Board’s procedural transparency. 

During the virtual session, Matthew Allen, Western Growers’ Vice President of State Government Affairs, was the sole representative from the agricultural industry to voice concerns. Allen underscored that the Board’s decision to partner with an organization viewed by many in agriculture as biased against the industry further fuels the perception of the ALRB’s partiality in decision-making. 

“Rarely am I taken by surprise, but today I am genuinely astounded,” Allen stated. He went on to urge Board members to consider the potential backlash if the situation were reversed—if, for instance, the ALRB had chosen to sublease space from Western Growers or another agriculture-industry organization in Santa Maria. 

While the ALRB Chair attempted to reassure attendees of the Board’s neutrality, Allen emphasized that choosing a location associated with an organization perceived as being adversarial to agriculture may only deepen skepticism among industry stakeholders. Allen’s remarks reflect ongoing concerns within the agricultural community that the ALRB may not always act as an impartial arbiter, particularly when decisions affecting the industry are made without the opportunity for public feedback.

The Board unanimously agreed to enter into a sublease agreement with CAUSE, despite concerns voiced by Western Gowers.